Man found dead had wad of cash in hand

Police believe man, who wrecked after he was shot, may have been involved in a drug deal.

DAYTON — Police and neighbors found a West Carrollton man at the wheel of his wrecked pickup on Hoover Avenue, shot in the chest with a wad of cash in his hand.

A passer-by called 911 just after 10 p.m. after she watched Donald Robinson’s truck veer off the road and hit a utility pole in the 3000 block.

Tony Daugherty lives across the street and heard the crash. He said neighbors at first thought Robinson had fallen asleep at the wheel, but then discovered he was bleeding. One woman got into the truck to try to stop the bleeding until medics arrived.

Dayton police found several other bullet holes in the vehicle.

Robinson was taken to Miami Valley Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Police said they now believe the 50-year-old may have been involved in a drug buy.

“It appears that there may have been a drug purchase and probably an attempted robbery. The victim was clutching a wad of cash in his hand,” Dayton Sgt. Moe Perez said.

According to court records, Robinson was twice convicted — in 2004 and 2006 — of drug possession (cocaine). In each case, he was sentenced to five years’ probation.

Based on their initial investigation, police believe the shooting occurred a few blocks away in an alley near Hoover and Brooklyn avenues.

Police are looking for a black man, anywhere from 30 to 50 years old, who was wearing a yellow shirt and white shorts, Perez said. Anyone with information is asked to call (937) 333-COPS.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2290 or dpage @DaytonDailyNews.com.

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